Dining Destinations to Pair with COSI, the Zoo, and the Wexner Center

Whenever you’re planning an outing to one of the city’s landmarks, it’s great to make a full day of the experience. Here are some spots to remind you it’s not just about the destination, it’s the journey!

COSIIf you’re planning a day a COSI to take in the exhibits, see a movie on the IMAX screen, or visit the newly reopened planetarium, there are plenty of dining spots nearby.

Across the river downtown, you might enjoy a giant reuben sandwich or a gyro at Danny’s Deli. You can also catch lunch at Milestone 229 before or after playing in the Bicentennial Park fountains. (Pssst… they’ve got a great kid’s menu!) Or ride the carousel at the Columbus Commons, then grab some tacos from Tortilla’s kiosk and ice cream from the Jeni’s Ice Creams stand. Even stop at Cup O’ Joe for coffee and snack first.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium / Zoombezi BayYou’ll need more than a day to explore the entire Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, so you’d better fuel up first!

On the road to the Zoo you’ll find an eclectic range of eateries. Grab some Chinese at Sunflower (with authentic dim sum on weekends!), Greek fare at Anna’s Greek Cuisine, or flavorful tacos at Haas Tacos, all in the same strip.

Down the road you can try Sweet Clove Sunshine Cafe, a concept store (the only one of its kind) from Honey-Baked Ham. They feature giant slices of French toast, eggs benedict made with their ham, and tall sandwiches and burgers. Close by you can get coffee and sweet pastry from the cozy Tuula’s European Cafe.

Just west of the Zoo across the Scioto River is the local diner Hellas Carryout. This long-time favorite boasts a huge list of omelets and gyros.

The Wexner Center for the Arts
The Wexner Center for the Arts is a complete stop in and of itself. You can spend hours exploring the world-class visual art exhibitions, seeing visiting theater companies, catching live music, or watching experimental film. When you need a break, head downstairs to Heirloom Cafe. The cafe features local and seasonal ingredients – including some grown by the chefs in their nearby urban farm – to create a menu with breakfast burritos, stir fries, sandwiches, and salads, all just as beautiful as the artwork featured in the building.